Posted: 5/28/2012 8:59:31 PM EDT
| I am sitting for my exams in a few weeks. Plan to try to hit tech and general in one shot. Tech is good to go, studying for general now using HTO. I am on a tight budget being a teacher and all so where do I start? I am thinking of picking up a Baofeng 5R is that a good start? What else should I pickup? I would love to have some of the setups I have seen with $800 radios and such but that isn't in the cards for me. My goals are to be able to make contacts with people, get on t eh air and have a reliable communication for soft type stuff as well as a good hand-held when I am hiking in case shit goes bad and I need help then too. Appreciate suggestions, ideas, and lessons learned. |
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You know, I just cannot get passed my concerns that the Baofeng and Wouxan radios are just cheap crap.
My honest suggestion is to go to this link- https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=29 And look at the following radios- Alinco DJ-C7T - $180.00 Yaesu FT-60R - $147.95 Icom IC-T70A - $197.95 Yaesu VX-3R - $186.95 I do not know if the quality of Alinco radios is up to the others or not; I have a friend that has a mobile in his car and is happy with it. I have also never heard anything one way or the other about that particular Icom radio, but believe they have a good reputation. The FT-60R, from what I hear, is built like a brick shit house and is a good machine. The VX-3R is small and has limited power output compared to the others, but maybe that would not be a problem for you. Others can tell you if you will need better batteries for them. Which ever you get, also get one of these antennas, this here one - $21.95, to go with it; there probably are exceptions, but every single person I know that has that antenna is very pleased with it. Just my suggestions anyway, think you'll likely end up happier with the better equipment. YMMV. Greg |
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I sat where you are just about this time last year!
I'm a teacher as well, except, I get no check or retirement  ...home-schooling dad of 5, and...
Yep, broke too  even the bottom end of the 'new' food chain eluded me (in regards to buying gear).
First! YMMV applies to all following statements! 
I have no experience, with the Baofeng but have owned a Wouxun 2D since getting my Tech (about 14 mo). I've said it many times here, and don't mind saying again...IMO "It's the best $120+/- a new ham can spend". it has served me flawlessly. There are some locals who use the 3 and 5 Baofeng and like them too. Apples to Apples...maybe not, but either way it's a Good In-expensive way to get on the air and begin ker-chunking repeaters The low cost accessories make the Wouxun very appealing (most others will shock with the acc pricing).
I initially used my Wouxun for a Mobile (with Mag antenna) Base (withN9TAX Slim Jim antenna) and Portable (back pocket). In all of those circumstances it did it's job well, and for a broke Newbie that was Mucho-Appreciated! I tested for my General about 2 mo after I passed Tech (Shoulda tried 'em both that first day). I used HTO to study the General, with Great Success! I am a believer in their method, and once I get the chance I'll use them to Upgrade to Extra! (A worthy expense) While studying for the General and lightly participating in the local repeater scene, I began shopping more in earnest for a few rigs that would suit my most basic needs. Somehow I wound up with all Kenwood gear (minus the HT). I didn't set out in that direction, but here I am, and since I believe in redundancy-I'm still in that boat. My first 'mobile' rig was a Used Kenwood TM-G707a purchased from a guy up North from QTH Swap. I paid $175 Shipped. This rig went into my EMCOMM Box initially, but soon went to the truck after I added a cheap NMO dual band antenna and fender mount to the P/U. It was replaced in the EMCOMM Box with an older Kenwood TM-231 from QTH Swap for $60 shipped. I continued to study and shop, knowing that at the least I wanted to try out NVIS for near-local HF comms. I needed an HF rig, but was again hamstrung with cost. Here is where I came to a choice that one year later may have been made differently. I intently studied gear and finally bought an 'Minty' Kenwood TS-50s HF rig in the box with papers for $450 shipped. It's stupid simple to use and about the size of a "CB" radio. I have been very pleased with the TS50 and after reading some reviews I concur, it's built like a tank and I really appreciate it's simplicity! Now the choice I mentioned above: The IC-718 was avail used but at a premium at the time. Most 718s that interested me then were $600+ at the time. Here of late, they can be found sub $500!!! and why is that a big deal...? The IC-718 would be a banging starter radio, that could easily transition to a Back-up unit and still please the user! I'm not trying to sway you here, but share what little I've learned over the last year or so... Some things to consider: If you plan to have a "Base" at home, you'll need at least 1 Good Power Supply. I found a Samlex 1223 on QTH Swap for $75 shipped and it rocks. You'll also want antennae for your radios...a Good Dual Band VHF-UFH Base is the Arrow J-Pole and another is the Ed Fong PVC antenna (I've both and they each work great for me). The N9TAX Slim-Jim roll up is a nice addition to any HT you buy, and is small enough to toss in your Go-Bag! HF antennas are a whole 'nuther post, and would largely depend on where you are planted. An external antenna tuner (or built in) will be a huge help, and dare I say, mandatory addition for your HF rig.. A shoulder-mic is a must have for your HT! and the programming cable! as is a AA Battery adapter and a Cig Lighter adapter is a welcomed ad-on... When shopping used, as on QTH Swap, remember to check the sellers call sign for any neg feedback, there is an entire forum there where people review their purchases. A quick google search of the sellers call can also give you an idea about who you are considering doing business with. Craigslist can be helpful, as can your local Amateur Club. E-bay is usually too high for me even to take the time to go and shop. Most online vendors are into price matching, that may also help save some funds! I didn't have the time to go link everything for you this am-sorry. Search ARFCOM and the arcives too for some good material in regards to what to buy as a newbie...Lots of Knowledge around here!!! Again, YMMV, and Good Luck! SCW |
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Good advice so far. I would keep my eye out for used gear before going the Chinese route. If you can pick up a few year old Icom Kenwood or Yaesu HT for the same money, you might be happier. As far as mobile VHF antennas go, I am fairly ignorant. For a base station, build your own. There are plenty of designs on line that can help you save your hard earned money. Then spend that money on LMR 400 for coax to feed the antenna. As far as HF goes, the Kenwood TS 50 is a great choice, my sister has one and she loves it. For power supplies, there is very little reason to buy a new one... The older astron linear ones are very good and seem to loose their value very nicely. I picked up my 35m for under $100. It was a long walk to the car but well worth saving on shipping. If I was in your shoes, after getting an HT and all it's accessories you need, start looking for a good power supply. That way if you want to run a 2m mobile rig inside to your homebrew antenna you will have the power to do so.
YMMV, but I think it is good advice. Good luck and welcome to a great hobby full of very helpful people. |